Commune Living: the Society of Brothers

The Society of Brothers commune living style is based on Christian faith, the members earn a living building children's toys and share all property on the commune.

The Society of Brothers' children and their teacher pick flowers at the entrance to the New Meadows Run community.

PHOTO: ANDREW SCHNEIDER

The brothers will soon turn this choice maple lumber into substantial wooden toys.

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

The Society of Brothers commune appears far from the maddening crowd . . . although located on the edge of U.S. 40 near New Meadow Run, Pennsylvania. The Society maintains two other locations in the United States.

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

The whole world, beginning with the community's front lawn, is a classroom for the Society's children.

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

If children seem especially favored by the Society of Brothers, perhaps it's only because the people who live in the peaceful settlement support themselves largely by making toys for the youngsters of this and other countries.

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

The playthings made by the Society are designed for children's use rather than parent's looks. Here some satisfied customers attest to the logic of that policy.

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

Every toy made by the brothers including these wooden telephones must pass the most stringent of inspections during assembly.

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

Youngsters raised at New Meadow Run are given every opportunity to experience life firsthand before making the big decision: shall I move away"" . .. or stay with the Society all my life?

ANDREW SCHNEIDER

The brothers' toys are so popular they're produced on mini-assembly lines.

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